Is hiking / rambling in UK for older people?
Posted by supremewuster@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 92 comments
I was visiting the UK on work and told people that I planned to go off hiking on the weekend and someone jokingly said "aren't you a bit young for that? To be a rambler?" She also joked that I'd need to change my look.
When I got there I did notice that many of the hikers, or ramblers, were a bit older. I stayed at a "Youth Hostel" where the average age was definitely about 60. And at a festival I went by a booth for the ramblers and it was staffed by older men wearing big hats
In the US hiking / mountaineering is more of a young person's activity. It is closely associated with mountaineering, rock climbing and camping and is I guess kind of atheletic
The elderly in contrast are more about shuffleboard or bingo (stereotypically) or maybe a gentle round of golf.
Hiking is healthy and fun for all ages so I am not casting aspersions. But can someone explain rambling / ramblers and the idea that hiking is something one ages into?
juntoalaluna@reddit
No, the person you were talking to was lame and boring.
cdh79@reddit
And in all likelihood, chunky.
supremewuster@reddit (OP)
Actually she is rather good looking. From Yorkshire
kumran@reddit
Fat people can and do hike too.
cdh79@reddit
Aye, and more power to them đ
kittysparkled@reddit
Yep, currently on a walking holiday on the Isle of Mull and an perfectly plump.
There's a massive problem with the availability of plus-sized outdoor gear because of the assumption we don't.
Ok-Explanation1990@reddit
Both of the above are true.
cragglerock93@reddit
Yeah it's sad but I'd put money on that, too. Could be some kind of complex.
supremewuster@reddit (OP)
She just appeared to like making fun of me
Substantial_Bus5687@reddit
Hard to judge without being there, but it reads completely harmless. We make self-deprecating jokes, we poke fun at each other, it's all just ordinary interactions.
supremewuster@reddit (OP)
I didnt find I found it funny. She said I needed a fleece and wool socks and big hat
RealLongwayround@reddit
Some people are dicks. More at ten.
Iâm an older walker but only because Iâve been walking for forty years. I have colleagues in their twenties who also love walking.
knightsbridge-@reddit
It's definitely more popular among older people.
My husband and I walked the Hadrian's Wall Path a few weeks ago. I'd say about 70% of the other hikers we saw were over 55.
I understand, frankly. It ate up loads of our annual leave to do a hike that long, I'm not surprised it's mostly retired/semi-retired people doing it.
I think it comes out of the fact that there isn't much in the way of "dangerous" hiking in the UK. Even stuff like Cape Wrath is relatively tame compared to more rugged countries, and the "three peaks" routinely have queues of normal people climbing up them. This makes most UK hikes very accessible to older people, who have the time to get out and do them.
It's a shame, honestly. Hiking should be more popular, it's fun!
terryjuicelawson@reddit
Plenty of younger people do it but older people maybe have more spare time they are willing to throw at it, and it is perfect for them as it is a slower form of exercise. When people say hiking here I associate it with weekend walks, pretty much anyone can and does get to the top of many of our biggest hills which are in reach from big cities in a day. In the US it may mean several days in the wildnerness.
asmiggs@reddit
Rambling is for all ages; as others have said, the terrain is forgiving, so fitness level isn't an issue, and retirees have more time for hobbies. If you want to go for something more challenging and more akin to hiking, start by looking for age group walking groups in your area.
seklas1@reddit
Itâs not for older people, but people here donât really have time and/or money for something like - hiking. I mean, we already can walk around most of ours towns, cities, forests, parks etc if we wanted, we donât necessarily need a spot for it or make it a destination. Younger people generally aim to spend time abroad, not hiking.
psj3809@reddit
Yeah I don't quite get rambling/hiking. Doesn't everyone wear those same boots for old people and also pretend they're skiing ?
When I had my dog i used to go on long walks but i couldnt do that alone
LowAioli3870@reddit
Walking poles are great for stability over rocky terrain and river crossings, using your arms to help with steep ascents, prodding boggy bits to see if the ground will hold, and easing your knees during descents, and giving you much greater stamina for walking hundreds of miles. Plus, it gives you a full body workout.
Moto-Ent@reddit
What do you mean by boots for old people? And the only time I pretend to ski is on a scree slope and itâs all gone wrong
psj3809@reddit
Those walking boots everyone wears ? Just googled walking boots and jesus they're expensive ! Like a fancy pair of trainers those prices !
And yes before you say it i dont think hiking is for me ! You must have seen those old people skiing ?
Reminds me of a story - as a kid Tescos were selling an 'all weather sledge'. Amazing ! Went and bought one in summer, top of the hill. Me and my mate got in, lets go go go . And the sledge didnt budge an inch. Just wouldn't work on grass/wet grass, nothing. Embarassing walk home holding a sledge in August
RealLongwayround@reddit
Good quality walking boots can be bought easily for about ÂŁ70, which is less than the cost of a decent pair of running shoes and only a little more than a pair of good quality plain black shoes from the fashion emporium that is Clarks.
srm79@reddit
"pretend they're skiing"
Do you mean Nordic Walking? đ¤Łđ¤Śđťââď¸
psj3809@reddit
Yeah whats that all about ? I thought it was for people who had bad balances or a crazy imagination ? Bit like me putting a bit of card in my spokes when i was young so i thought my bike was like a motorbike.
Seems to be a set age limit as anyone over the age of 65 seems to do imaginary skiing.
srm79@reddit
It's also called full-body walking, you use the poles to propel you forward at a faster pace and the impact and resistance felt in the arms forces more muscle groups to engage giving you a full body workout from walking
psj3809@reddit
Ahhh cheers for the explanation.
Used a similar machine in the gym and yeah it kills your arms after a while
Silver_SnakeNZ@reddit
I go hiking whenever I can (in my 30s). I definitely notice public footpaths and canal towpaths tend to be frequented by older folks for the most part - understandable given they're relatively gentle and safe. Any time I climb a hill or a mountain though it's a completely diverse cross section of society, certainly plenty of young keen hikers too.
GlumAd9856@reddit
Hiking is popular for all ages.
The official 'Ramblers' groups tend to have a lot of retired people - though, there are groups specifically for younger age groups.
1Moment2Acrobatic@reddit
For example MAD Walkers in Manchester and Metropolitan Walkers in London. There are some in other areas too.
LowAioli3870@reddit
I've been fell walking in the Lakes since the start of April, and you see all kinds out on the fells: older people, families, young couples, gangs of teens.
Mid-week outside of holidays tends to skew older, as pensioners don't need to be in work and visiting at cheaper and quieter times with comparable weather offers better value for them. Weekends and bank holidays, you get all types on the fells. During school holidays, there are more families with kids. More adventurous routes like Striding Edge and Swirral Edge on Helvellyn, or Halls Fell Ridge and Sharp Edge on Blencathra skew to more of a young adult demographic (but you do still see older folk and some rather brave children up there too).
I think the term "rambling" is becoming a little old-fashioned, with many younger people preferring the term "hike".
Lopsided_Toe867@reddit
Why donât you just ignore that narrow minded comment and just do it anyway?Â
Who cares how old you are! If it brings you joy, then do itÂ
alex21dragons@reddit
Rightly or wrongly, I think the terms hiking and rambling here conjure up images of middle aged or older people with bobble hats, kagools and sandals with socks. Probably best to say you're going walking in the hills or similar to avoid evoking that or just embrace it.
TemporaryLucky3637@reddit
I would say going on a day out to walk for a few miles and stopping at a pub or cafe is done by all ages.
Going on rambling/hiking holidays with all the equipment etc is definitely seen as the domain of older middle class people in matching fleeces đ
unseemly_turbidity@reddit
Nah, I'm usually one of the oldest if I make an actual holiday out of it and do a long distance path or spend a few days in the mountains, and I'm in my 40s. Loads of 20-somethings are out having a cheap holiday.
The big groups of older people have the walking poles but not much other gear because they've got rooms booked in a hotel, if they're out for more than one day.
RealLongwayround@reddit
Seen by whom? I really donât see class being an issue in the world of hiking, especially since âall the equipmentâ consists of less investment than a week in Magaluf.
bladefiddler@reddit
Not exclusively! There are a number of younger people who appreciate the physical and mental health benefits of a good long hike outdoors, they're just a minority.
I think it's something about the culture of instant gratification and lack of attention span - added to the fact younger people don't often seem to appreciate great views & scenery.
Walking up those big hills is a long and boring ordeal, with the relatively small payoff of a nice view - that you could look at online in seconds from the sofa. If you want exercise you can go to a gym at a time & location of your convenience and smash that out in like 30mins.
RealLongwayround@reddit
This is very much a subjective view. Iâd rather watch paint dry than âsmash outâ in thirty minutes in a gym the equivalent of a delightful country walk. And I have only once found a walk long and boring.
bladefiddler@reddit
The view expressed in my third paragraph was hyperbolic, giving perspective to the culture I described in my second.
I don't share it personally, quite the opposite. I'm simply reasoning why it is that you see more older people than younger ones engaging in the outdoors; they often haven't matured enough yet to appreciate the wider benefits and so see the the obvious or tangible ones as more easily or efficiently attained otherwise.
Fraggle_ninja@reddit
Absolutely - you get arrested by the walking police if you are not between the ages of 62 and 85 /s. Walk at your own risk for the fear of judgement of others.Â
srogijogi@reddit
In UK a lot of young people are not interested in nature, walking, pointless sweating. Sweating is not pointless if performed in the gym, where others could see the effort. Of course you will get some excuses and explanations here, but they may be contradictory to simple fact of observation.
RealLongwayround@reddit
Generally youâd need to be very unfit to work up a sweat when walking in the UK.
srogijogi@reddit
It all depends on speed and location :) There are no super high mountains in UK, but there are proper steep inclines. Some areas have the attitude differences between close points similar to ie. Alps.
Suspicious_Skill_558@reddit
I'm early thirties but have hiked since about 20. I have never found a reliable group my age to regularly hike with, my friends and I will hike together every now and then but we do other things usually instead. Most of the hiking groups where I live are geared at older people so it's difficult to meet other young people who enjoy it, but I do see lots of young people when I do go for a hike :) again, lots of young people I see seemed dressed for 'this is not a regular hobby đ' but some are! Not saying you have to look like an oldie but they'll be wearing jeans and trainers going up a mountain.
So yeah I would say less so, but I think it just depends on where you live. If I had grown up and had always been into the outdoors, then I probably would know more like minded people, but I didn't really get into it until I was a young adult. But yeah the girl obviously has never been hiking and has no clue dw.
Fred776@reddit
I and many of my friends have done fell walking and hiking pretty much all our adult lives, though for many years now it's probably only been once or twice a year that I have been able to get away.
It might depend where you are going. I did all the classic Lake District walks in my 20s but as someone now nearing retirement I'd probably think twice about doing Sharp Edge or Striding Edge these days, and am more likely to be walking somewhere in the Peak District or the Brecon Beacons, say.
Petrichor_ness@reddit
The reason 'rambling' is seen as an older person activity is because a lot of the group walks are arranged in the working day or a weekend morning when younger people are either busy with their young families or recovering from their hangovers.
It's also a good activity for older people because it's a way to get out, meet other people and exercise without doing anything too risky. If anyone does have an accident, there are plenty of people around to help them.
My granddad was an avid rambler and took it very seriously (although not seriously enough to protect his skin as he died of skin cancer).
I'm not sure I'd call myself 'young' (late 30s) but I love going for long walks with my dogs. I live in the Scottish Highlands and the scenery is one of the best parts of living here. My ideal day is a ten mile explore with my pups where I won't meet a soul!
Active_Definition_57@reddit
My sister is retired and leads a walk each Tuesday. I presume most of the group are retired.
Petrichor_ness@reddit
There's a group near me that calls themselves a 'mental health walking group' because they want to make it clear it's not just for retirees.
But they meet at 10:00am on Wednesdays!
CurvePuzzleheaded361@reddit
Not at all
cleb9200@reddit
Geographical differences have probably resulted in slightly different demographics. In the UK hiking is generally seen as a fairly gentle and accessible pastime, so appeals to older people trying to stay fit and enjoy scenery, although I know for a fact itâs enjoyed by all ages regardless of what your colleague says. But in the states I guess there are levels of wilderness where youâre a long long way from any civilisation surrounded by things that might eat you, so a more extreme survival aspect is part of it. Not saying all hiking in US is inherently dangerous of course, but on balance much more so than UK where the concern is more about whether the lunch stop will have a decent draft ale in
cragglerock93@reddit
Agreed. And I think you can even see the difference between England and Scotland in that respect (not saying Scottish wilderness is anything like the States, but it's comparatively a bit wilder than England) - I'd expect to see more old people in the Dales or the Peak District than I would in the Cairngorms or NW Highlands.
cragglerock93@reddit
There is a certain kind of person that just loves to shit on other people's interests, and you found one. To be frank, many people's interests bore the absolute shit out of me but I'm usually not rude enough to take the piss out of them for it.
To answer the question, I'd say I associate 'rambling' with older people as it conjures up images of a ramblers groups, which are generally a bit older in makeup. 'Hiking' is basically the same thing but for some reason I associate that less with older people. But either way, IMO hiking/rambling is a great thing to do and I do it myself very frequently - I'm 32.
Active_Definition_57@reddit
In my late thirties, together with my parents, I did go on some walking breaks after Christmas with a well-established company. I think the only people on these younger than me were some actual children with their parents, who may have been slightly older than me.
HugsandHate@reddit
Lol, I don't think walking can be gatekept. Or any 'activities' for that matter. Everyone should get out there and do whatever they want. (Except harm. Not that one.)
You only live once.
Any-Republic-4269@reddit
It's because all the youngsters are shuffleboarding and playing bingo
Xaphios@reddit
I think you've probably been a vistim of language here rather than anything else:
The Ramblers are an organisation in the UK (or loose amalgamation of local groups, I'm not totally sure) who are very much likely to be older.
Walking or Hiking as a hobby is absolutely enjoyed by all ages.
As far as youth hostels are concerned, they're an organisation that's primarily for and gives discounts to young people. They are open to everyone though, and often larger hostels will be used by groups - the kayaking club I'm in stays at one fairly regularly. If your stay coincided with an older group either hiking or doing something else it would feel like it's only that generation for sure!
172116@reddit
I'm going to slightly disagree with you here. I'm increasingly finding that I'm often one of the youngest Brits in hostels, particularly the countryside ones, despite being in my 30s - it's often me, a bunch of old people, and lots of foreigners. I work for a university, and we increasingly see a horror of sharing bathrooms, let alone bedrooms, from our incoming British students. I went away recently with my walking group - I stayed in the hostel, along with several others my age, and the younger folk all booked hotels!
ChallengingKumquat@reddit
Young people do enjoy going outdoors, for walks or hikes, but I haven't heard anyone say "rambling" in about 25 years. I'd forgotten the word existed. I feel like "rambling" is something that is organised as a group activity, and these groups tend to be for older people who want to meet other people whereas younger people have their own friends and partners, and maybe kids too, so they go with them, rather than with a "rambling" group.
And, that effect snowballs. If I joined a hiking group and noticed that everyone was over 60, I'd probably quit the group. I bet others would too, so, the group remains an over 60s group.Not because the over 60s are bad in any way, but I'd rather just hang out with people my sort of age.
No-Clock8123@reddit
Lots of younger people go hiking. I've done it with my friends my whole adult life and see younger groups out all the time. Male groups, female groups, mixed groups, couples, solo walkers, trail runners. Your friend is an idiot.
cuccir@reddit
Rambling I think is not quite hiking. It more has the sense of (sometimes lengthy) walks over open countryside. While the terrain may be relatively rough and paths unmade, the topography is relatively gentle.
That form of rambling is more associated with middle age and older. If someone's familiarity with countryside walking is only that sort of walking, then they might think that it is only for older people.
If you walk up a mountain, it's not a ramble, it's a hike. That has a pretty wide age range in my experience.
Time of year makes a big difference though. Midweek or out of school holidays will see an older crowd due to work commitments
RealLongwayround@reddit
Any long walk in the open is a hike in my personal opinion. âLongâ being entirely subjective. As a cub we did three mile hikes, as a scout we did five to ten mile hikes. As a venture we sometimes hiked for thirty miles or more.
The terrain would vary from flat East Anglian countryside to mountainous terrain. It was all hiking.
Cultural_Wallaby_550@reddit
Yes, youâre right, hiking is enerally popular with an older demographic here. But UK hiking and US hiking are wildly different.
In the UK, hiking is something you can do from your front door if you live anywhere outside a big city, often with a dog. The inclines are gentle almost everywhere and there is an ancient network of footpaths and rights of way accessible to all.
It typically means âa slightly hilly wall across the public paths on farmerâs grazing fields, close to the nearest townâ. The furthest you can be from a road anywhere in the UK is 10 miles, and if youâre not in the Scottish Highlands, itâs actually just 3 miles.
Hiking in the US is an extreme sport by comparison. Drive far from your house into a genuine wilderness with predatory animals, then walk potentially for days without encountering another human being. Hence the appeal to younger people.
Haunting_Hour_4556@reddit
I think I got into it a bit more seriously in my 30s, but had definitely enjoyed some hiking in my 20s. I just had a better idea of what I was doing when I got older.
I guess one point regarding who you saw could be where+when you went. When I go hiking in the hills near me it's often older people I see because I go on weekday mornings, when younger folks are more likely to be at work or with kids.
PCMRSmurfinator@reddit
I think this comes across because the definition of "hiking/backpacking" is slightly different across the pond.
There isn't any extreme terrain in the UK, and there aren't any real dangers from flora and fauna. This makes backpacking less niche; anyone can do it, so people with more time on their hands / disposable income (older people) do it casually. This means hill walks, simple overnight camps, etc.
The reason why you see more younger people complete (eg) the Appalachian Trail is because it's only really young people who are able (fit enough) to do it. Certainly, long-distance backpacking with specialist kit (what I would consider to be closer to the US definition) in the UK is predominantly younger to middle-aged people for the same reason.
thehoneybadger1223@reddit
A lot of hikers and ramblers are older because they have more time. As a 26F, I would love to be able to spend more time trekking in places like the lake district, Keswick, kielder etc, but the problem is that I work 6 days a week, sometimes more of I'm asked. I simply don't have time, but I long for days ahead where I can find a partner and walk and forget about life for a while.
I know a lot of older people who hike and ramble, and who have done this. Many of those took early retirement and hike, or did hike from their 50s until well into their 70s, 80s in the case of one lady I know.
Dennyisthepisslord@reddit
My grandparents are in their mid 80s and go rambling twice a week once on Thursday for a short 5 or so mikes then ten miles on Sunday. And they do it in the peak district often so it's not all flat!
Mind you everyone in their group is a spring chicken at 60 compared to them
scuzzmonster1@reddit
Rambling is for all ages. Hiking is a bit different. Hard hiking does exist in the UK which probably wouldnât be suitable for many seniors.
seriousrikk@reddit
Hiking is brilliant because itâs an any age activity. While not free when you take equipment into account itâs comparatively cheap.
Certainly not restricted to older folks.
burneritiswhatitis@reddit
No way, my little sister just went hiking on her own and sheâs not even 21 yet
Live-Independent-416@reddit
I dont meet many older people doing this. Its physically demanding so you tend to get a younger crowd overall
Hertfordgal@reddit
Iâm not 60 yet. We go to the Lake District a couple times a year for hikes.
spoo4brains@reddit
The average age will skew to mid 50's I would guess, but there are still younger people who do it.
scrotalsac69@reddit
I think it is mainly that older people have more time to do it. More younger people in the mountain areas, although there is more climbing and mountaineering done
pjwlondon@reddit
Yes. Aleo, the terrain in most of the UK is suited to rambling rather than hyper-equipped route marching, although there's plenty of room for that too.
Which can lead to dangerous misjudgements when people go in for hill-walking expecting it to be like a countryside stroll.
Proud_Ad_8915@reddit
No, I see many different ages going hiking/rambling
WGD23@reddit
Hiking is popular amongst all ages but the Ramblers tend to be older, and slower. Check out the Long Distance Walkers Association, this guys can move, and fast too. Trial running has also boomed amongst a younger crowd in recent years.
Loads of quite social events on through the years ranging from big corporate & national charity type events to much more grass roots. LDWA usually have good cake.
Silver_SnakeNZ@reddit
I go hiking whenever I can (in my 30s). I definitely notice public footpaths and canal towpaths tend to be frequented by older folks for the most part - understandable given they're relatively gentle and safe. Any time I climb a hill or a mountain though it's a completely diverse cross section of society, certainly plenty of young keen hikers too.
kai_enby@reddit
Agree, I climbed a hill last week and I'd say it was a reasonably equal distribution of ages between about 7 months and 70 years. Several babies with young parents, young and middle aged couples or single people, older people in groups, some with grandkids in tow. And I went on a Thursday so if anything I'd expect the crowd to have skewed older than it did, weekends will be even more diverse
okwhateveryouwin8@reddit
There is an element of snobbery to certain hobbies in the UK
Make sure you don't wear trainers when hiking or you'll get a telling off
Far_Dentist4880@reddit
People who have been rambling since they were young tend not to stop until they are very old and frail. The UK has an aging population, the old have more time for hobbies and had more time and money when they were young than younger generations.
The same is true for other 'athletic' pursuits like kayaking and sailing. Don't know about mountaineering or camping but it wouldn't entirely surprise me.
There ARE young people who do it, but when you've got education, work, maybe a young family, and very little spare cash, fitting in an extra hobby is tough, specially to do it at a level where it needs equipment and several days devoted to it.
I'm a bit surprised you haven't seen the same in the US, but then I suppose people who grew up in the sixties in the UK were less likely to have cars and more likely to have bikes and go walking.
Specialist_Emu7274@reddit
I am young and go hiking, if you live in the countryside theres often not much else to do than go for a hike then go to the pub. I feel like I see an equal number of people on hikes, often smaller ones are families with kids too (and their dog)
I have only seen rambling as an older person's arranged group acitivity though.
Historical_Project86@reddit
The problem is that walking clubs often meet midweek. I would live to join one, but find myself with the unenviable task of working to afford food and mortgage.
Moto-Ent@reddit
I spend pretty much all my holiday going hiking.
Also, I worked at a youth hostel and I get where youâre coming from about age. I think part of it is the cost, so more often theyâll be camping. But there was definitely plenty of young people.
Rambling is a bit different then hiking from what I understand, more about making the use of public rights of way in the country side.
Have a look at Bothys as well, Iâve found thereâs a good mix of ages there.
Iâm 23 and love the mountains, and have been walking and climbing with people ranging from my age to three times it and doesnât bother me at all.
Often makes it far more interesting.
Ignore them saying itâs boring or an old persons thing. When youâre still out walking at 80, and theyâre in a home Iâm sure youâll feel pretty good about it.
Happy_Chance11@reddit
Im mid thirties and see loads of younger than me hiking. Especially last weekend with the weather being so nice. Winter hiking is mainly more older folks tho.
GoingGreyGaming@reddit
It's for anyone, there are a lot of groups for all experience levels on meetup.com.
srm79@reddit
I know of a few hiking groups around my area and they're mainly young people - perhaps you just went while a senior group was hiking that particular route - try the Lake District, lots of different ages hike around there
boredsittingonthebus@reddit
Very much a mixed bag, I'd say.
EyeAware3519@reddit
There is some truth in this. I joined a local hiking group and was the only person under 50.
I started hiking in my early 20s in 2003ish and it was pretty uncommon for people my age to do it back then. The advent of social media with younger people wanting to make content in interesting places and more of a focus on fitness has definitely driven up interest in the last few years though. Still, as someone in my mid 40s I would say I see more people my age or older than people in their 20s while out on the trails.
Do what you want though, who cares what others think?
BillyJoeDubuluw@reddit
Sheâs given you the wrong impression, actually.Â
We have an ageing population so, on balance, most activities have a slightly senior leaning than not⌠but, to echo other comments, older (and retired) people have more leisure time⌠or at least they ought toâŚÂ
Visit a variety of places midweek and then do them again on the weekend⌠There will be some shift in demographicsâŚÂ
llynllydaw_999@reddit
No it isn't. If you get out there you will see plenty of younger people (as well as older people).
fernofry@reddit
No, my early-20s cousin does it with his mates and camp out. Did it once with my friends abroad who were all younger than me as well.
Amddiffynnydd@reddit
Old Americans are too fat?
Odd-Quail01@reddit
My friend group are all late thirties to early fifties and we all like going for a nice walk. 8-15 miles uphill and down dale and ending with a meal in a country pub being the ideal.
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